KOROR (Island Times/Pacnews) — Japan’s Ambassador to Palau Orikasa Hiroyuki and the Japanese Fisheries Survey Team met with Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. last week.
The fisheries survey team visited Palau from Aug. 13 to 20 as a follow-up to the discussions held between Whipps and Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio during their meeting in Tokyo on July 17, 2024.
The preparatory survey conducted by the Japanese team is anticipated to enhance the upcoming comprehensive study planned by the Japan International Cooperation Agency.
Japanese fishing vessels have been operating in Palau’s Exclusive Economic Zone. However, maintaining profitability remains a challenge for both Palauan and Japanese vessels as only 20% of the area is currently accessible.
Japan supports the government of Palau’s initiative to amend the Palau National Marine Sanctuary Act and expand the operable EEZ area to 50%, which is considered essential to maintain sustainable fishing operations that will also contribute to the management of Palau’s resources within its vast EEZ.
Japan believes that amending the law will promote a fisheries environment that benefits both countries. Japan said it is committed to cooperating in the development of Palau’s fisheries industry, including the Ngatpang Port.
While in Palau, the Japanese survey team also met with officials of the Bureau of Fisheries and the Ngatpang State Government, and conducted interviews and surveys regarding production and distribution as well as the potential for eco-tourism development.
In addition, the team also looked into the fisheries-related activities at the Ngatpang Fishing Port, and of the Belau Offshore Fishing Industry Association, the Palau Commercial Fishing Company, and other related organizations to determine the current state of the industry.
